Transcription:
Postmarked:
History and Notes:
Context: Main Image: The postcard features a color-tinted photograph of the Casino at Capron Park in Attleboro, Massachusetts, from the early 20th century.
Details:
Architecture:
- The building is a large, single-story structure with a prominent hipped roof and an upper story with a similar hipped roof design.
- The facade features a wide veranda that wraps around the building, supported by substantial columns, providing a shaded outdoor space.
- The exterior is clad in wooden shingles and brick, giving it a rustic yet elegant appearance.
- Large windows line the upper story, allowing for ample natural light and ventilation.
- The building’s design reflects the bungalow or craftsman style, popular in the early 20th century for recreational and residential structures.
- A sign reading “CAPRON PARK” is prominently displayed on the veranda roof, indicating the location.
- The building includes decorative latticework on the upper story windows, adding a touch of detail to the otherwise simple design.
Setting:
- The Casino is set on a well-maintained lawn with neatly trimmed bushes and young trees, creating a picturesque and serene park environment.
- The surrounding area includes additional greenery and possibly other park facilities in the background.
- The photograph captures the building from the front, showcasing its architectural features and the landscaped grounds.
- Two men dressed in early 20th-century attire are standing on the sidewalk in front of the Casino, adding a human element to the scene.
Text:
- The postcard includes the text “Attleboro, Mass. Casino, Capron Park.” at the bottom, identifying the location and providing context for the image.
Interpretation:
Historical Context:
- This postcard likely dates from the early 1900s, capturing the architectural and recreational landscape of Capron Park during this period. The use of color-tinting enhances the visual appeal and provides a vibrant depiction of the scene.
- The Casino served as a recreational facility within the park, providing a space for social gatherings, events, and leisure activities.
Architectural Significance:
- The bungalow or craftsman style of the Casino reflects the architectural trends of the early 20th century, emphasizing simplicity, natural materials, and harmony with the surrounding environment.
- The wide veranda and substantial columns highlight the building’s design focus on providing comfortable and inviting outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing.
Cultural Importance:
- The postcard captures a historical moment, illustrating the community’s investment in public recreational facilities and the importance placed on providing attractive and functional spaces for leisure and social activities.
- The well-maintained grounds and elegant design of the Casino symbolize the societal value placed on parks and public spaces as central institutions for community life and well-being.
- The presence of the two men adds a social and human element, reflecting the usage of the park and its facilities by the local community.
Additional Details:
